Man charged with preventing lawful burial of body after woman discovered two years after death

Police at the scene of a murder at an apartment block in West Belfast (Image: Alan Lewis - PhotopressBelfast.co.uk)

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A man arrested by detectives investigating death of Marie Conlon has been charged with preventing the lawful burial of body and other offences.

The 23-year-old man detained on Thursday has since been charged with offences related to theft, fraud, burglary and preventing the lawful burial of a body.

The body of Ms Conlon, 68, was discovered in her home in the Larkspur Rise area of West Belfast October 6, but police say they believe she may have died more than two years ago.

The 23-year-old man is due to appear in Belfast Magistrates Court on November 5 as is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by PPS.

He has been released unconditionally in relation to the suspicion of murder while forensic examinations continue to examine the cause of death.

Last night, the family of Ms Conlon released a statement via PSNI.

The scene in West Belfast

It read: "We are shocked and heartbroken to learn about the loss of our beloved sister, Marie Conlon.

"The tragic circumstances of her death make it all the more difficult to comprehend and accept.

"Marie was very much loved by her family and will be mourned greatly. She was a very independent person.

"Numerous attempts had been made to contact her in person, and by other means, over the course of the past two years but at no point were suspicions raised that she had been deceased. It is only with hindsight that the unimaginable now seems possible.

"We have been working closely with the PSNI to bring this devastating situation to an end."